City of Cape May Historic Design Standards: Historic Preservation Commission

City of Cape May Historic Design Standards: Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Design Standards are an official document of the Historic Preservation Commission that expands upon the general concepts of The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Cape May boasts a rich architectural heritage featuring many styles and features. The city has recognized the need to develop a comprehensive set of Historic Design Standards to maintain and protect the historic integrity of Cape May's historic fabric. The Historic Design Standards apply to all structures within the Historic District and Sites designated on the Zoning Map. The Historic Design Standards aim to ensure the preservation and protection of historic buildings through appropriate treatment approaches by providing upfront guidance to property owners and qualified professionals. One of the greatest threats to the Historic District's character is the incremental application of inappropriate treatments to character-defining features of buildings. While responsive to Cape May's unique character, the Historic Design Standards may not cover every circumstance. Instead, they establish a perspective for property owners, qualified professionals, and commissioners to review the specific conditions of each project and provide the versatility to develop solutions that satisfy the intent, principles, and spirit of the Cape May historic preservation ordinance. These Historic Design Standards, coupled with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, help assure that decisions are made on a professional basis and not personal aesthetic preferences. The overarching intent of the Historic Design Standards is to inform design decisions, not dictate them. The Historic Design Standards encourage a rigorous exploration of history but not the literal copying or mimicking of particular historical styles or inappropriate features. The Cape May Historic Design Standards have been supported by a grant from the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office, financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this document are those of the Cape May Historic Preservation Commission and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior. The City of Cape May Historic Design Standards are available to download in digital format for free at the Historic Preservation Commission's website or in hardcopy format at local libraries.